秋千
qiūqiān
The English word 'swing' (the hanging seat) is 秋千 (qiūqiān) in Chinese.
秋千 refers specifically to the physical object. To express the action of riding one, you can use the phrase 坐秋千 (zuò qiūqiān), which literally means 'to sit on a swing'.
Meaning: hanging seat (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the object and the movement. 秋千 (qiūqiān) is the noun for the physical seat itself, whereas verbs like 摆动 (bǎidòng) are used to describe the actual motion of swinging or oscillating.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, the term 鞦韆 is used for the hanging seat.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
qiūqiān
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese culture, swinging was historically a romantic activity for young women during the Qingming Festival, often used as a way to meet potential suitors.
- If you describe a swing's rhythmic motion using the verb 摆 (bǎi), you are using the exact same verb used to 'arrange' or 'display' items in a shop window.
- In classical Chinese literature, the action of swinging is often described with the word 荡 (dàng), which also means 'to wander' or 'to roam' freely.
Examples in context
- 公园里有一个秋千。Gōngyuán lǐ yǒu yīgè qiūqiān.There is a swing in the park.
- 孩子们正在玩秋千。Háizimen zhèngzài wán qiūqiān.The children are playing on the swing.
- 这个秋千很高。Zhège qiūqiān hěn gāo.This swing is very high.
Example conversation
Two friends are at a playground.
- 伟 Wei梓涵，你想玩秋千吗？Zǐhán, nǐ xiǎng wán qiūqiān ma?Zihan, do you want to play on the swing?
- 梓涵 Zihan好啊，我也很喜欢秋千。Hǎo a, wǒ yě hěn xǐhuān qiūqiān.Sure, I like swings a lot too.
- 伟 Wei那我来推你。Nà wǒ lái tuī nǐ.Then I will push you.
- 梓涵 Zihan太棒了，谢谢你，伟。Tài bàng le, xièxiè nǐ, Wěi.Great, thank you, Wei.
